First BJJ Class
First BJJ Class? No problem. Congratulations, you’ve signed up for your first BJJ class, but what happens next? When you arrive at Gracie Barra West, our dedicated Program Director will be waiting to welcome you at the front desk. After signing the waiver, they will give you a brief tour of the school and explain …
Old School vs. New School
Old School vs New School. Is there a difference? Jiu-Jitsu has grown and become one of the most popular martial arts today. New tricks and moves such as inversions, berimbolos, rubber and worm guards have become more popular. Old school BJJ is more applicable to beginners for it is more pressure based compared to new …
Week 14 Koshi Guruma
Koshi Guruma This week in the Gracie Barra curriculum is Hip or Hand Throws and Side Mount. Coach Todd and Coach Val demonstrate Koshi Guruma into an arm in triangle. This takedown is a fundamental hip throw that originates from Kodenkan Judo. Coach Todd gets standard judo grips and starts moving Coach Val, also known …
Week 13 Kata Guruma
Week 13 Kata Guruma Kata Guruma otherwise known as a Fireman’s carry is a sacrifice throw as part of the Gracie Barra week 13 curriculum. It begins with Coach Val getting standard Judo grips on Coach Todd. Once she has his collar and sleeve gripped, she takes a step forward with her right foot. At …
Week 13 Lasso Sweep
Lasso Sweep Lasso Sweep in Week 13 Curriculum Lasso Sweep -Week 13 as part of the Gracie Barra Curriculum is Guard/ Transition to the Guard and Sacrifice Throws. Today we’re going to be looking at a Lasso Sweep. This is a great technique when you have your opponent in closed guard and are looking to …
Week 11 Guard Break
Week 11- Guard Coach Val shows one of her favorite ways to break an opponents guard. Once Coach Todd has her in his guard, she grabs both lapels and grips tightly. She then is able to grab his opposite sleeve and pin it to his stomach. Leaning forward allows Coach Val to jump to her …
Week 11 Leg Grabs
Gracie Barra Week 11 Leg Grabs Coach Val goes for a lapel and sleeve grip on Coach Todd. Coach Val cuts her angle and lowers her level. As a result she is able to quickly grab his leg and drive him forward. This causes your opponent to lose their balance, making the single leg takedown …
Week 10 Hip and Hand Throws
Gracie Barra Week 10 Hip and Hand Throws Coach Todd gets standard Judo grips on her lapel and wants to start some movements because it will be easier to get her off balance. As he is moving her, Coach Todd will pull on her lapel. As a result he is able to sneak his other hand …
Week 10-Mount and Knee on Belly
Week 10 Attacks from Mount and Knee on Belly. This week Coach Val will demonstrate one of her favorite attacks from knee on belly, a Spinning Armbar. Coach Val starts from Knee on belly, as Coach Todd turns into her, he creates a pocket in his arm. After that Coach Val under hooks …
Week 9: Guard Pass
Gracie Barra West Week 9 Guard Pass This Week at Gracie Barra West is Week 9: Guard Pass and Sacrifice Throw Coach Todd and Coach Val demonstrate one of their favorite Guard Passes as featured above. If you are caught in your opponents Spider Guard, this is a great defense to get out and receive …